San Francisco — The Department of Industrial Relations’ (DIR), Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) in honor of Labor Day, is promoting the “Apprenticeship: Opportunity is knocking” program as a fresh start for people who need a career or a career change.

Apprentices earn a living while learning a skill that gives them what they need to begin on a life-long career. There is new information available on our Web site for both potential apprentices and interested employers.

“Apprenticeship programs have provided amazing opportunities for both employers and employees,” said Lucille Acosta, chief of the division of apprenticeship standards. “Employers benefit by having access to a pool of highly skilled and competent workers while employees benefit by learning valuable skills that can lead to a good income, benefits and job stability.”

Potential apprentices can link to career videos and a listing of apprenticeships in their counties, with contact information. Interested employers can see the advantages an apprenticeship program would do for their business and the contact information to help them get started. Additionally, there are personal stories of apprentices and apprentice graduates for ideas and inspiration.

Visit the DAS Web site at http://www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/das.html
and go to “Apprenticeship: Opportunity is Knocking” and see how easy it is to make a fresh start for Labor Day 2005.